The Barbarossa Festival in San Quirico d’Orcia will take place from June 14th to 18th. The event begins with the presentation of the Emperor’s Pitchers on the square in front of the Church of San Francesco. The pitchers, created by artist Sebastiano Pelli, represent the typical products of the region, wine, and extra virgin olive oil. Subsequently, the “Orfeo 2022” award will be given for the best performance in the historical procession of the previous year.
The following day, there will be the Procession of the Ceri and the blessing of the standard-bearers, drummers, and archers who will participate in the competitions on the third Sunday of June.
Friday is dedicated to propitiatory dinners organized in the Quarters.
Saturday is the turn of Barbarossa de’ Citti, an engaging competition among young standard-bearers and drummers, followed by archery competitions for participants under the age of 14. During the evening, dinners will be held in the taverns of the Quarters.
On Sunday morning, the Quarters’ mass is held at the Church of San Francesco, followed by a draw for the order of challenges for the standard-bearers and pairings for the archers in Piazza della Libertà. In the afternoon, the historical procession takes place, along with the reenactment of the encounter between Barbarossa and the envoys of Pope Adrian IV in 1155. Subsequently, the Flag and Arch competitions are held at the Horti Leonini. The evening is dedicated to dinners in the Quarters and celebrations of the victorious districts.
For more information about the Barbarossa festival, please visit the dedicated website.
